Pennsylvania insurers paying agency’s advisers

Philadelphia Inquirer, June 12, 2008

During a hearing on the proposed merger of Pennsylvania insurers Independence Blue Cross and Highmark Inc., the focus was instead all about how much the Insurance Department's consultants were being paid, and who was paying them. Independence Blue Cross and Highmark are not only paying for their own consultants, but are also footing the bill for the Pennsylvania Insurance Department's consultants. The Insurance Department will decide on the merger, which would create the largest health insurer in the state.